Might help if people would refer to their flight manuals to understand the limitations.
(Chapter 2 in most standard manuals)
Cessna 172M-N
This aircraft is not designed for purely aerobatic flight. However, in the aquisition of various certificates such as commercial pilot, instructor pilot and flight instructor, certain maneuvres (sic) are required by the FAA. all of these maneuvres are permitted in this airplane when operated in the utility category.
In the utility category, the baggage compartment and rear seat must not be occupied. No aerobatic are approved except those listed below;
If you want to know what they are, look them up. Max weight while operating in the utility category is 2000lbs (907kg). C172P and R models get 2100lbs (952kg) and S models 2200lbs (998kg).
Aerobatics that may impose high loads should not be attempted. The important thing to bear in mind in flight maneuvres is that the airplane is clean in aerodynamic design and will build up speed quickly with the nose down. Proper speed control is an essential requirement for execution of any maneuver, and care should always be exercised to avoid excessive speed which in turn can impose excessive loads. In the execution of all maneuvres, avoid abrupt use of controls. Intentional spins with flaps extended are prohibited.
R and S models do not have the spinning prohibition with flaps extended.
The CofG envelopes in the utility category are VERY different to the normal category. Spinning outside of the rear limit may send the spin flat, making recovery "difficult".
As always, spinning should not be attempted unless properly qualified or being instructed by a qualified person.
As with stalling, you don't need to be scared of them, but you
must respect them.
